Stand-up pouches of stretchable paper

ABSTRACT

There is provided a method of forming a stand-up pouch, comprising the steps of: providing a web structure having a w-shaped profile; forming bottom and vertical seals such that a flat stand-up pouch having two superimposed side walls and a bottom is obtained; press-forming at least part of the superimposed side walls; and optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch, wherein the side walls are composed of a stretchable paper material.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to paper stand-up pouches of a stretchable papermaterial and the production thereof.

BACKGROUND

Stand-up pouches are an increasingly popular packaging solution for manyindustries, including food, pet food and non-food sectors. Stand-uppouches are flexible and normally composed of plastics (such aspolyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP),and/or polyamide (PA)), aluminium or metallised films.

A stand-up pouch can be formed from a single web that is folded to forma bottom and two vertical side walls. Alternatively, three webs are usedto form the two side walls and the bottom, respectively. The side wallsat joined to each other by vertical seals. A sealing is also provided atthe bottom such that pouch can stand up. The top of the stand-up pouchmay also be sealed, often after filling. One end may also be providedwith a re-closable zip. Sometimes, a handle, a euro slot and/or tearnotches is/are provided at the top. The stand-up pouch may also beprovided with a dispensing device, such as spout, e.g. for pouring. Thespout may be provided with a re-closable cap.

SUMMARY

One object of the present is to provide stand-up pouch composed of apaper material, such as a laminate. Generally, paper is associated withless environmental concerns than plastics. Paper is a renewable resourceand it has a lower carbon footprint than a plastic. Also, in someapplications paper is preferred for its aesthetic appearance and tactilefeel.

Further, the present inventors have realized that certain features ofstand-up pouches are obtainable if the paper material isstretchable/extensible. For example, a stretchable paper allows forforming a three-dimensional pattern, such as a bulge or a relief, in theside walls of the stand-up pouch. The three-dimensional pattern may beprovided for aesthetic reasons or branding. It may also provide afunction, such an improved grip, added rigidity, improved dispensing orpouring, improved sealing function or increased volume. A stretchablepaper may also facilitate the inclusion of a dispensing device, such asa spout, at the top.

The following list of itemized embodiments of the present disclosure isthus provided.

1. Method of forming a stand-up pouch, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) providing a web structure having a w-shaped profile;    -   b) forming bottom and vertical seals such that a flat stand-up        pouch having two superimposed side walls and a bottom is        obtained;    -   c) press-forming at least part of the superimposed side walls;        and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch,        wherein the side walls are composed of a stretchable paper        material.

2. The method of item 1, wherein the web structure of step a) comprisestwo flanking portions composed of the stretchable paper material and amiddle portion composed of a the stretchable paper material or adifferent material and wherein the flanking portions form the side wallsand the middle portion forms the bottom during step b).

3. The method of item 2, wherein a bi-folded web is arranged between twowebs of the stretchable paper material to form the web structure havinga w-shaped profile provided in step a).

4. The method of item 1, wherein the web structure of step a) iscomposed of a single web of the stretchable paper material.

5. Method of forming a paper stand-up pouch, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) unwinding a stretchable paper material from a reel and        folding the paper material such that it obtains a w-shaped        profile;    -   b) forming bottom and vertical seals such that a flat stand-up        pouch having two superimposed side walls and a bottom is        obtained;    -   c) press-forming at least part of the superimposed side walls;        and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch.

6. Method of forming a stand-up pouch, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) providing a web structure having a w-shaped profile, wherein        a first flanking portion of the web structure corresponds to a        first side wall of the stand-up pouch and a second flanking        portion of the w-shaped paper material corresponds to a second        side wall of the stand-up pouch;    -   b) press- or thermo-forming at least part of the first and/or        the second flanking portion of the w-shaped web structure;    -   c) forming vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up pouch        having two side walls and a bottom is obtained; and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch,        wherein the flanking portions are composed of a stretchable        paper material.

7. The method of item 6, wherein the web structure of step a) comprisesa middle portion composed of the stretchable paper material or adifferent material, which middle portion forms the bottom during stepc).

8. The method of item 7, wherein a bi-folded web is arranged between twowebs of the stretchable paper material to form the web structure havinga w-shaped profile provided in step a).

9. The method of item 6, wherein the web structure of step a) iscomposed of a single web of the stretchable paper material.

10. Method of forming a paper stand-up pouch, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) unwinding a stretchable paper material from a reel and        folding the paper material such that it obtains a w-shaped        profile, wherein a first portion of the w-shaped paper material        corresponds to a first side wall of the stand-up pouch and a        second portion of the w-shaped paper material corresponds to a        second side wall of the stand-up pouch;    -   b) press- or thermo-forming at least part of the first and/or        the second portion of the w-shaped paper material;    -   c) forming vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up pouch        having two side walls and a bottom is obtained; and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch.

11. Method of forming a stand-up pouch, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) providing a web structure having a w-shaped profile;    -   b) forming vertical and bottom seals such that a flat stand-up        pouch is obtained;    -   c) providing a mould cavity at an outer surface of a side wall        of the stand-up pouch and applying an overpressure inside the        pouch such that a portion of the side wall extends into the        mould cavity to form a bulge or relief; and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch,        wherein the side walls is composed of a stretchable paper        material.

12. The method of item 11, wherein the web structure of step a)comprises two flanking portions composed of the stretchable papermaterial and a middle portion composed of the stretchable paper materialor a different material and wherein, during step b), the flankingportions form side walls of the stand-up pouch and the middle portionforms a bottom of the stand-up pouch.

13. The method of item 12, wherein a bi-folded plastic web is arrangedbetween two webs of the paper material to form the web structure havinga w-shaped profile provided in step a).

14. The method of item 11, wherein the web structure of step a) iscomposed of a single web of the stretchable paper material.

15. Method of forming a paper stand-up pouch, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) unwinding a stretchable paper material from a reel and        folding the paper material such that it obtains a w-shaped        profile;    -   b) forming vertical and bottom seals such that a flat stand-up        pouch is obtained;    -   c) providing a mould cavity at an outer surface of a side wall        of the stand-up pouch and applying an overpressure inside the        pouch such that a portion of the side wall extends into the        mould cavity to form a bulge or relief; and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch.

16. Method of forming a stand-up pouch, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) pressing at least one rolling wheel or roll against a        stretchable paper material to form a pattern in the paper        material;    -   b) arranging or folding the paper material such that it forms at        least part of a web structure having a w-shaped profile;    -   c) forming vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up pouch        having two side walls and a bottom is obtained and at least part        of the pattern is provided on at least one of the side walls;        and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch.

17. Method according to item 16, wherein the pattern formed in step b)is continuous and extends in the machine direction.

18. Method according to item 16 or 17, wherein the pattern formed instep b) is a groove or dotted or dashed line extending in the machinedirection and wherein the pattern extends across a side wall of thestand-up pouch formed in step d) in a circumferential direction.

19. Method according to anyone of items 16-18, wherein during step b)the at least one wheel or roll is pressed against one side of the papermaterial and a counter roll is pressed against the other side of thepaper material.

20. The method of any one of items 16-19, wherein

the web structure of step b) comprises two flanking portions composed ofthe stretchable paper material and a middle portion composed of thestretchable paper material or a different material,

the flanking portions form the side walls and the middle portion formsthe bottom during step c) and

one of the flanking portions is the paper material comprising thepattern from step a).

21. The method of item 20, wherein a bi-folded web is arranged betweentwo webs of the paper material corresponding to the flanking portions toform the web structure having a w-shaped profile of step b).

22. The method of any one of items 16-19, wherein the web structure ofstep b) is composed of a single web of the stretchable paper material.

23. Method of forming a paper stand-up pouch, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) unwinding a stretchable paper material from a reel and        pressing at least one rolling wheel or roll against the paper        material to form a pattern in the paper material;    -   b) folding the paper material such that it obtains a w-shaped        profile;    -   c) providing vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up        pouch having two side walls and a bottom is obtained and at        least part of the pattern is provided on at least one of the        side walls; and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch.

24. Method of forming a stand-up pouch, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) press- or thermo-forming a stretchable paper material to form        a bulge or relief;    -   b) arranging or folding the paper material such that it forms at        least part of a web structure having a w-shaped profile;    -   c) providing vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up        pouch having two side walls and a bottom is obtained, wherein        the bulge or relief is provided on one of the side walls; and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch.

25. The method of item 24, wherein

the web structure of step b) comprises two flanking portions composed ofthe stretchable paper material and a middle portion composed of thestretchable material or a different material,

the flanking portions form the side walls and the middle portion formsthe bottom during step c) and

one of the flanking portions is the paper material comprising thepattern from step a).

26. The method of item 25, wherein a bi-folded web is arranged betweentwo webs of the paper material corresponding to the flanking portions toform the web structure having a w-shaped profile of step b).

27. The method of item 24, wherein the web structure of step b) iscomposed of a single web of the stretchable paper material, which is thepaper material comprising the pattern from step a).

28. Method of forming a paper stand-up pouch, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) unwinding a stretchable paper material from a reel and press-        or thermo-forming the paper material to form a bulge or relief;    -   b) folding the paper material such that it obtains a w-shaped        profile;    -   c) providing vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up        pouch having two side walls and a bottom is obtained, wherein        the bulge or relief is provided on one of the side walls; and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch.

29. Method of forming a paper stand-up pouch comprising a dispensingdevice, such as a spout, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) providing a web structure having a w-shaped profile;    -   b) forming vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up pouch        having two side walls and a bottom is obtained, wherein the side        walls are composed of a stretchable paper material; and    -   c) arranging a dispensing device between the side walls and        closing the stand-up pouch, wherein the paper material of the        side walls is stretched around the dispensing device such that        the side walls are sealed to the dispensing device without        creasing of the paper material.

30. The method of item 29, wherein the dispensing device is arrangedbetween the side walls at a top of the stand-up pouch.

31. The method of item 29 or 30, wherein the web structure of step a)comprises two flanking portions composed of the stretchable papermaterial and a middle portion composed of the stretchable paper materialor a different material and wherein the flanking portions form the sidewalls and the middle portion forms the bottom during step b).

32. The method of item 31, wherein a bi-folded web is arranged betweentwo webs of the paper material to form the web structure having aw-shaped profile provided in step a).

33. The method of item 29 or 30, wherein the web structure of step a) iscomposed of a single web of the stretchable paper material.

34. Method of forming a paper stand-up pouch comprising a dispensingdevice, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) unwinding a stretchable paper material from a reel and        folding the paper material such that it obtains a w-shaped        profile;    -   b) providing vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up        pouch having two side walls and a bottom is obtained;    -   c) arranging a dispensing device between the side walls at the        top of the stand-up pouch and closing the top of the stand-up        pouch, wherein the paper material of the side walls is stretched        around the dispensing device such that the side walls are sealed        to the dispensing device without creasing of the paper material.

35. A stand-up pouch comprising a bottom and two side walls, wherein theside walls are composed of a stretchable paper material and sealed toeach other, a dispensing device is fixed between the side walls and atleast a portion of the paper material of the side walls that contactsthe dispensing device is stretched.

36. The stand-up pouch of item 35, wherein the side walls are sealed toeach other at a top of the stand-up pouch and the dispensing device isfixed between the side walls at the top.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a first embodiment of the method of the first aspectof the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a second embodiment of the method of the firstaspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the method of the second aspect ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the method of the third aspect ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the method of the fourth aspect ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the method of the fifth aspect ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a stand-up pouch according to thesixth aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a methodof forming a stand-up pouch, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) providing a web structure having a w-shaped profile;    -   b) forming bottom and vertical seals such that a flat stand-up        pouch having two superimposed side walls and a bottom is        obtained;    -   c) press-forming at least part of the superimposed side walls;        and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch,        wherein the side walls are composed of a stretchable paper        material.

It is understood that the stretchable paper material stretches duringthe press-forming of step c)b such that a three-dimensional pattern inthe side walls.

As also understood by the skilled person, the “vertical seals” of thepresent disclosure extend in the “vertical” direction when the stand-uppouch is standing.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the web structure of step a)comprises two flanking portions composed of the stretchable papermaterial and a middle portion composed of the stretchable material or adifferent material, such as plastic or a non-stretchable paper-material.In such an embodiment, the flanking portions form the side walls and themiddle portion forms the bottom during step b). Further, in such anembodiment, a bi-folded web (e.g. of the different material) may bearranged between two webs of the stretchable paper material to form theweb structure having a w-shaped profile provided in step a).

In another embodiment, the web structure of step a) is composed of asingle web of the stretchable paper material.

Accordingly, the method of the first aspect may comprise the steps of:

-   -   a) unwinding a stretchable paper material from a reel and        folding the paper material such that it obtains a w-shaped        profile;    -   b) forming bottom and vertical seals such that a flat stand-up        pouch having two superimposed side walls and a bottom is        obtained;    -   c) press-forming at least part of the superimposed side walls;        and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch.

The press-forming of step c) of the first aspect may for example becarried out by passing the at least part of the superimposed side wallsbetween opposing rolls. Circumferential surfaces of the opposing rollsmay be provided with protrusion(s) and/or recess(es) that correspond(s)to a three-dimensional pattern formed in the side walls by thepress-forming. For example, the circumferential surface of a first rollmay be provided with at least one protrusion that match(es) at least onerecess provided on the circumferential surface of a second roll.

The opposing rolls may for example be connected to at least one motor.That means that the rolls may be connected to one motor each or a commonmotor. The motor(s) rotate(s) the rolls around their axes. The at leastpart of the circumferential surfaces of the rolls may be covered with amaterial that provides sufficient friction between the rolls and thesuperimposed sidewalls for the rolls to pull the stretchable materialthrough the preceding steps. The opposing rolls may thus have twofunctions: press-forming the superimposed sidewalls and pulling thestretchable material through the method.

However, the pulling is not necessarily the only force that moves thematerial through the method. For example, the reel from which thestretchable material is unwound may also be connected to a motor. Otherparts of the machinery for carrying out the method may also bemotorized.

The axes of the opposing rolls are preferably substantially vertical.Consequently, the side walls can for example have the same orientationduring the press-forming as in a subsequent filling step.

In a stand-up pouch produced according to the first aspect, one sidewall will have a positive (outwardly protruding) pattern, while theother side-wall will have the corresponding negative (inwardlyprotruding) pattern.

Press-forming the superimposed side walls after bottom and verticalsealing according to the first aspect is beneficial as it is notdisturbing the registering normally carried out in connection with thebottom and vertical sealing. Instead, the positions of the side wallsrelative each other and the vertical seals have already been fixed whenpress-forming is carried out.

As a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a methodof forming a stand-up pouch, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) providing a web structure having a w-shaped profile, wherein        a first flanking portion of the web structure corresponds to a        first side wall of the stand-up pouch and a second flanking        portion of the w-shaped paper material corresponds to a second        side wall of the stand-up pouch;    -   b) press- or thermo-forming at least part of the first and/or        the second flanking portion of the w-shaped web structure;    -   c) forming vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up pouch        having two side walls and a bottom is obtained; and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch,        wherein the flanking portions are composed of a stretchable        paper material.

In one embodiment, the web structure of step a) comprises a middleportion composed of the stretchable paper material or a differentmaterial, which middle portion forms the bottom during step c). Thedifferent material may for example be a non-stretchable paper materialor a plastic material. In such an embodiment, a bi-folded web (e.g. ofthe different material) may be arranged between two webs of thestretchable paper material to form the web structure having a w-shapedprofile provided in step a).

In another embodiment, the web structure of step a) is composed of asingle web of the stretchable paper material. Accordingly, the method ofthe second aspect may comprise the steps of:

a) unwinding a stretchable paper material from a reel and folding thepaper material such that it obtains a w-shaped profile, wherein a firstportion of the w-shaped paper material corresponds to a first side wallof the stand-up pouch and a second portion of the w-shaped papermaterial corresponds to a second side wall of the stand-up pouch;

b) press- or thermo-forming at least part of the first and/or the secondportion of the w-shaped paper material;

c) forming vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up pouch havingtwo side walls and a bottom is obtained; and

d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch.

Just as in the first aspect, the press-forming of the second aspect mayfor example be carried out by passing the stretchable material betweenopposing rolls, that can be motorized to pull the stretchable material.

Before the folding of the w-shaped profile, the paper material normallypasses over at least one roll, such as three rolls. The purpose of therolls is to tighten the paper material. However, there is a risk thatsuch rolls destroy any three-dimensional pattern in the paper. As thew-shape is obtained after the rolls, it is thus beneficial to carry outpress- or thermo-forming on the w-shaped paper material.

As a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a methodof forming a stand-up pouch, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) providing a web structure having a w-shaped profile;    -   b) forming vertical and bottom seals such that a flat stand-up        pouch is obtained;    -   c) providing a mould cavity at an outer surface of a side wall        of the stand-up pouch and applying an overpressure inside the        pouch such that a portion of the side wall extends into the        mould cavity to form a bulge or relief; and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch,        wherein the side walls is composed of a stretchable paper        material.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, the web structure of step a)comprises two flanking portions composed of the stretchable papermaterial and a middle portion composed of the stretchable paper materialor a different material. During step b) in such an embodiment, theflanking portions form side walls of the stand-up pouch and the middleportion forms a bottom of the stand-up pouch. In such an embodiment, abi-folded web (e.g. of the different material) may be arranged betweentwo webs of the stretchable paper material to form the web structurehaving a w-shaped profile provided in step a). The different materialmay for example be non-stretchable paper or plastic.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the web structure of step a)is composed of a single web of the stretchable paper material.Accordingly, the third aspect may be a method of forming a paperstand-up pouch, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) unwinding a stretchable paper material from a reel and        folding the paper material such that it obtains a w-shaped        profile;    -   b) forming vertical and bottom seals such that a flat stand-up        pouch is obtained;    -   c) providing a mould cavity at an outer surface of a side wall        of the stand-up pouch and applying an overpressure inside the        pouch such that a portion of the side wall extends into the        mould cavity to form a bulge or relief; and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch.

It is understood that a pressure is applied inside the stand-up pouch instep d) of the third aspect, for example by means of a pressurized gas,such as pressurized air, from a compressor. In one embodiment of step d)of the third aspect, the stand-up pouch is heated before or when it ispressurized.

Forming a three-dimensional pattern on the side walls according to thethird aspect is beneficial as it is not disturbing the registeringnormally carried out in connection with the bottom and vertical sealing.Instead, the positions of the side walls relative each other and thevertical seals have already been fixed forming of the side wall iscarried out. Further, the forming of the third aspect may be carried outin a modified version of the carousel that is used for filling upstand-up pouches in existing machines.

As a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a methodof forming a stand-up pouch, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) pressing at least one rolling wheel or roll against a        stretchable paper material to form a pattern in the paper        material;    -   b) arranging or folding the paper material such that it forms at        least part of a web structure having a w-shaped profile;    -   c) forming vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up pouch        having two side walls and a bottom is obtained and at least part        of the pattern is provided on at least one of the side walls;        and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch.

The pattern formed in step b) of the fourth aspect may for example becontinuous and extend in the machine direction.

The pattern formed in step b) may also be a groove or dotted or dashedline extending in the machine direction. In such case, the patternextends across a side wall of the stand-up pouch formed in step d) in acircumferential direction. For example, such a groove or dotted ordashed line would be obtained if using a rolling wheel in step b) of thefourth aspect. The groove would be obtained when the wheel has acircular cross-section. The dotted or dashed line would be obtained whenthe wheel has a star-shaped cross-section (see FIG. 4).

In the method of the fourth aspect, a counter roll may be used. In suchcase, the at least one wheel or roll in step b) is pressed against oneside of the paper material and the counter roll is pressed against theother side of the paper material. The surface of the counter roll mayhave recesses or incisions corresponding to the shape of the pressingwheel(s) or protrusions on the surface of the pressing roll.

In one embodiment of the fourth aspect, the web structure of step b)comprises two flanking portions composed of the stretchable papermaterial and a middle portion composed of the stretchable paper materialor a different material, such as non-stretchable paper or plastic. Theflanking portions form the side walls and the middle portion forms thebottom during step c). Further, one of the flanking portions is thepaper material comprising the pattern from step a). In such anembodiment, a bi-folded web (e.g. of the different material) may bearranged between two webs of the paper material to form the webstructure having a w-shaped profile of step b). The two webs of papermaterial correspond to the flanking portions.

In another embodiment, the web structure of step b) is composed of asingle web of the stretchable paper material. Accordingly, the thirdaspect may be a method of forming a paper stand-up pouch, comprising thesteps of:

-   -   a) unwinding a stretchable paper material from a reel and        pressing at least one rolling wheel or roll against the paper        material to form a pattern in the paper material;    -   b) folding the paper material such that it obtains a w-shaped        profile;    -   c) providing vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up        pouch having two side walls and a bottom is obtained and at        least part of the pattern is provided on at least one of the        side walls; and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch.

As a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a methodof forming a stand-up pouch, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) press- or thermo-forming a stretchable paper material to form        a bulge or relief;    -   b) arranging or folding the paper material such that it forms at        least part of a web structure having a w-shaped profile;    -   c) providing vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up        pouch having two side walls and a bottom is obtained, wherein        the bulge or relief is provided on one of the side walls; and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch.

In one embodiment of the fifth aspect, the web structure of step b)comprises two flanking portions composed of the stretchable papermaterial and a middle portion composed of the stretchable paper materialor a different material, such as non-stretchable paper or plastic. Theflanking portions form the side walls and the middle portion forms thebottom during step c). One of the flanking portions is the papermaterial comprising the pattern from step a). In such an embodiment, abi-folded web (e.g. of the different material) may be arranged betweentwo webs of the paper material to form the web structure having aw-shaped profile of step b). The two webs of the paper materialcorrespond to the flanking portions.

In one embodiment of the fifth aspect, the web structure of step b) iscomposed of a single web of the stretchable paper material, which is thepaper material comprising the pattern from step a). Accordingly, thefifth aspect may be a method of forming a paper stand-up pouch,comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) unwinding a stretchable paper material from a reel and press-        or thermo-forming the paper material to form a bulge or relief;    -   b) folding the paper material such that it obtains a w-shaped        profile;    -   c) providing vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up        pouch having two side walls and a bottom is obtained, wherein        the bulge or relief is provided on one of the side walls; and    -   d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch.

An important benefit of the fifth aspect is that it requires relativelyfew modifications of existing machinery for forming stand-up pouches.Thus, the fifth embodiment is relatively cost efficient.

Just as in the first aspect, the press-forming of the fifth aspect mayfor example be carried out by passing the stretchable material betweenopposing rolls, that can be motorized to pull the stretchable material.

As a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a methodof forming a paper stand-up pouch comprising a dispensing device,comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) providing a web structure having a w-shaped profile;    -   b) forming vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up pouch        having two side walls and a bottom is obtained, wherein the side        walls are composed of a stretchable paper material; and    -   c) arranging a dispensing device between the side walls and        closing the stand-up pouch, wherein the paper material of the        side walls is stretched around the dispensing device such that        the side walls are sealed to the dispensing device without        creasing of the paper material.

In one embodiment of the method of the sixth aspect, the dispensingdevice is arranged between the side walls at the top of the stand-uppouch.

In one embodiment, the web structure of step a) comprises two flankingportions composed of the stretchable paper material and a middle portioncomposed of the stretchable paper material or a different material, suchas a non-stretchable paper material or plastic. During step b) of suchan embodiment, the flanking portions form the side walls and the middleportion forms the bottom. Further, in such an embodiment, a bi-foldedweb (e.g. of the different material) may be arranged between two webs ofthe paper material to form the web structure having a w-shaped profileprovided in step a).

In another embodiment of the sixth aspect, the web structure of step a)is composed of a single web of the stretchable paper material.Accordingly, the sixth aspect may be a method of forming a paperstand-up pouch comprising a dispensing device, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) unwinding a stretchable paper material from a reel and        folding the paper material such that it obtains a w-shaped        profile;    -   b) providing vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up        pouch having two side walls and a bottom is obtained;    -   c) arranging the dispensing device between the side walls (e.g.        at the top of the stand-up pouch) and closing the top of the        stand-up pouch, wherein the paper material of the side walls is        stretched around the dispensing device such that the side walls        are sealed to the dispensing device without creasing of the        paper material.

The sixth aspect further includes a stand-up pouch comprising a bottomand two side walls, wherein the side walls are composed of a stretchablepaper material and sealed to each other, a dispensing device is fixedbetween the side walls and at least a portion of the paper material ofthe side walls that contacts the dispensing device is stretched suchthat a crease-free sealing between the spout and the side walls isobtained.

In one embodiment of the stand-up pouch of the sixth aspect, the sidewalls are sealed to each other at a top of the stand-up pouch and thedispensing device is fixed between the side walls at the top.

The dispensing device of the sixth aspect is for example arranged in thecorner between a vertical edge and a sealed top of the stand-up pouch.

The dispensing device may for example be a spout. Further, thedispensing device may comprise a screw top, a flip top, a snap on, arolling ball, spray top, trigger/pump spray, a valve closure, tamperevident closure, a cork, an plug, a seal, a push pull or a combinationof two or more of these. Thus, the spout may for example be providedwith a re-closable cap. The skilled person is also aware of otherdispensing devices through which the contents of the stand-up pouch maybe obtained by the user.

One or both of the side walls of the stand-up pouch of the sixth aspectmay be provided with an inwardly or outwardly protruding pattern. Such apattern may be formed according to any one of the above methods.

Press-forming according to the present disclosure may comprise formingthe paper-material between “female tool” comprising a cavity and a “maletool” that are pressed against each other. The male tool may comprise apunch. As an example, the position of the female tool may be fixed whilethe male tool/punch is pressed against it. Alternatively, the positionof the male tool/punch may be fixed while the female tool is pressedagainst it. In another example, the female tool and the male tool/punchare moved against each other.

The male tool may also be a rotating press roll and the female tool maybe a rotating counter roll.

The three-dimensional shape of the pattern obtained during press-formingmay thus correspond to the shape of the punch of a male tool. In suchcase, it is possible, but not necessary that the three-dimensional shapealso corresponds to the shape of the inside of the female cavity. Thethree-dimensional shape of the pattern obtained during press-forming mayalso correspond to a pattern on the surface of a male press roll.

In thermo-forming according to the present disclosure, the papermaterial is heated and forced into a negative mould/female cavity bymeans of negative or positive pressure, i.e. by means of a pressurizedgas or “vacuum”. The thermo-formed pattern in the paper material thuscorresponds to the shape of the female cavity.

Paper is porous. Therefore, vacuum-forming according to the presentdisclosure normally requires that the pater material is coated or has alaminate structure (see below). However, the force obtained by vacuum isoften insufficient for stretching the paper material. Whenthermo-forming is employed, it is therefore generally preferred to usepositive pressure as in the third aspect.

In the first, second and fifth embodiment of the present disclosure,press-forming is more preferred than thermo-forming.

During the press- or thermo-forming of the present disclosure, the papermaterial stretches to obtain the intended three-dimensional shape orpattern. For example, the paper stretches to form a decorativeembossment, grip-improving protrusions or a volume-increasing bulge. Tofacilitate the stretch during press- or thermo-forming according to thepresent disclosure, heat may be applied to the paper material beforeand/or during the forming step. Accordingly, the press-forming tools, inparticular the male press-forming tools, may be heated. The femalepress-forming tools may be cooled. Thus, some embodiments of thepress-forming of the present disclosure may be referred to asthermoforming. It may be particularly beneficial to apply heat when thestretchable paper material comprises a polymer coating or is a laminatecomprising a plastic layer. Coatings and laminates are further discussedbelow.

The paper material of the present disclosure is stretchable. Thestretchability of the paper material is preferably at least 5% in boththe machine direction (MD) and the cross direction (CD). For example, itmay be at least 6 or 7% in both directions. In one embodiment it is atleast 7% in the CD and at least 14% in the MD. An example of astretchable paper suitable for the method of present invention isFibreForm® marketed by BillerudKorsäs AB. The strechability may forexample be measured according to standard ISO 1924-3.

The grammage of the stretchable paper material may for example be 40-400g/m², such as 50-300 g/m², such as 60-250 g/m², such as 70-200 g/m². Ahigher grammage (i.e. ≧100 g/m²) may be beneficial as it results in astiffer and i.e more robust stand-up pouch. A lower grammage (i.e. <100g/m²) may also be beneficial as it is results in a lighter and moreflexible stand-up pouch. Further, paper material of lower grammages isgenerally cheaper.

The paper material of the present disclosure may be composed of a singlelayer. However, it may also be a laminate composed of a plurality ofpaper layers, such as two, three or four layers. The laminate may alsocomprise one or more plastic layers. Such a laminate may be obtained bygluing a plastic or barrier film to the paper.

The paper material may also comprise a coated paper. Several coatingtechniques are known to the skilled person and the present disclosure isnot limited to anyone of them.

The plastic film(s) of the laminate or the coating(s) of the coatedpaper normally has/have one or more barrier properties. Examples ofbarrier properties include grease barrier, gas barrier and moisturebarrier properties. Such barrier properties are for example of interestwhen food or liquids are packaged in the stand-up pouch.

A coating or laminate layer of one or more of the following materialsmay enable heat-sealing during bottom, vertical and/or top sealing: PE(e.g. HDPE, LLDPE or LDPE), PLA, PA, PET, PP and Lacquer hot melt.Further, the coating or laminate layer may be a dispersion, a bio-basedpolymer, a bio-based binding material or a glue.

A benefit of PE and PP is that they are also moisture barriers.

A particularly preferred material for forming the stand-up pouches ofthe present disclosure is a stretchable paper provided with a polyolefinmultilayer barrier film on the side forming the inside of the pouch. Thepolyolefin multilayer preferably comprises a layer of EVOH, which is agas barrier, sandwiched between two layers of polyolefin, such as PE orPP. The barrier layer may also be a multilayer PA-polymer structure (PAis also a gas barrier).

Such preferred materials often give excellent protection against light,gas, humidity and aroma.

In the methods of the present disclosure, a single paper web may befolded such that it obtains a w-shaped profile. Such folding is anestablished step in the manufacture of stand-up pouches.

Alternatively, three webs are employed, wherein the first webcorresponds to a first side wall of the stand up pouch, the second webcorresponds to a second side wall of the stand up pouch and the thirdweb corresponds to a bottom of the stand-up pouch. In such case, atleast one of the first and the second web is composed of the stretchablepaper material. Often, both the first and the second web are composed ofthe stretchable paper material. The third web may however be composed ofa different material. Accordingly, the bottom of the stand-up of thepresent disclosure may for example be composed of a transparent plasticmaterial. The three webs are arranged to form a w-shaped in a mannerknown in the field of manufacturing plastic stand-up pouches

Similarly, the bottom sealing (to form the bottom of the stand-up pouchand allow it to stand when filled), vertical sealing, topsealing/closing and spout arrangement are well known steps in the fieldof plastic stand-up pouches that without undue burden can be implementedby the skilled person carrying out the methods of the presentdisclosure.

One example of a sealing operation is heat sealing. Thus, the side ofthe paper material that forms the inside of the stand-up pouch of thepresent disclosure may be provided with a heat-sealable coating orlayer. Examples of such a coating or layer are provided above.Typically, the heat-sealing process requires that both sides of thepaper material are not provided with the heat-sealable coating or layer.

For example, the skilled person knows that in heat sealing, recesses orholes may be provided in the material forming the bottom of the stand-uppouch, which recesses or holes allows portions of the side walls at thebottom to be sealed to each other and the characteristic stand-up pouchbottom to be formed.

Instead or having a heat-sealable coating or layer covering the insideof the pouch, a glue or pressure sensitive lacquer may be applied duringthe sealing process in a known manner.

Another example of a “cold sealing” method is dry crimping, which isused in the production coffee filters or tea bag envelopes.

The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments ofthe invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided byway of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete,and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in theart.

FIG. 1A illustrates a first embodiment of the method of the first aspectof the present disclosure. In the first embodiment, a stretchable papermaterial 101 is unwound from a paper reel 102. The paper 101 passes overat least one roll 103 before it is folded to form a w-shape 104. Onepurpose of the roll(s) 103 is normally to tighten the paper material.The lower end of the w-shaped paper is then sealed 105 to form astand-up pouch bottom, which is often referred to as “bottom sealing”.The paper is then subjected to vertical sealing 106. The vertical seals107 will after cutting become the vertical edges 108 of the finishedstand-up pouches 109 that joins first side walls 110 a to second sidewalls 110 b. Bottom sealing 105 and vertical sealing 106 are well knownoperations in the production of stand-up pouches. An area between twovertical seals 107, which thus comprises two superimposed layers of thepaper material, is then subjected to press-forming 111, during whichcertain portions of the superimposed layers are stretched, such that aprotruding pattern 112 a is formed on one side corresponding to thefirst side walls 110 a and an inverted recessed pattern 112 b is formedon the other side corresponding to the second side walls 112 b. A resultof the press-forming 111 is thus that the same pattern is projectingoutwardly 112 a on one side wall 110 a of the pouches 109 and inwardly112 b on the opposed side wall 110 b.

After press-forming 111, a spout 113 is optionally arranged at the upperend, which is still open, in a spout arrangement step 114. The spout isfurther discussed below in connection with FIG. 6.

After bottom- and vertical sealing 105, 106, press-forming 111 and theoptional arrangement 114 of a spout 113, the pouches are normally filled115 through the still open top/upper end. After the filling 115, theupper end is normally closed 116. The closing operation 116 may be thesame type of sealing as the bottom sealing 105 and vertical sealing 106.Alternatively, the closing 116 may comprise an arrangement of are-closable zip, in particular when no spout 113 is arranged. If neithera spout 113 nor a re-closable zip is arranged, tear notches may beprovided at the top, e.g. by punching, to facilitate opening of theclosed stand-up pouch. However, in one embodiment, the stand up pouch isprovided with a re-closable zip, sealed at the very top, and providedwith tear notches between the re-closable zip and the sealed top. Insuch case, the user tears the pouch open the first time and then usesthe re-closable zip for further openings and closings.

Before or after the filling 115 and closing 116, vertical cutting (notshown) of the vertical seal 107 is performed such that the vertical seal107 is divided into the vertical edges 108 a, 108 b of individualstand-up pouches 109.

FIG. 1B illustrates a second embodiment of the method of the firstaspect of the present disclosure. Just as in the first embodiment, astretchable paper material 101 is unwound from a paper reel 102 in thesecond embodiment. The paper 101 passes over at least one roll 103before it is folded to form a w-shape 104. One purpose of the roll(s)103 is normally to tighten the paper material. The lower end of thew-shaped paper is then sealed 105 to form a stand-up pouch bottom, whichis often referred to as “bottom sealing”. The paper is then subjected tovertical sealing 106. The vertical seals 107 will after cutting becomethe vertical edges 108 of the finished stand-up pouches 109 that joinsfirst side walls 110 a to second side walls 110 b. Bottom sealing 105and vertical sealing 106 are well known operations in the production ofstand-up pouches. An area between two vertical seals 107, which thuscomprises two superimposed layers of the paper material, is thensubjected to roll press-forming, during which certain portions of thesuperimposed layers are stretched, such that a protruding pattern 112 ais formed on one side corresponding to the first side walls 110 a and aninverted recessed pattern 112 b is formed on the other sidecorresponding to the second side walls 112 b. The press-forming isachieved passing the superimposed layers between two opposing rolls 120a, 120 b. The axes of the generally cylindrical rolls 120 a, 120 b arevertical. The circumferential surface 121 a of a first roll 120 acomprises a recess 122 a corresponding to the protruding pattern 112 a.The circumferential surface 121 b of a second roll 120 b comprises aprotrusion 122 b corresponding to the recessed pattern 112 b. The resultof the roll press-forming is thus that the same pattern is projectingoutwardly 112 a on one side wall 110 a of the pouches 109 and inwardly112 b on the opposed side wall 110 b.

The opposing rolls 120 a, 120 b are connected to at least one motor suchthat the rolls can pull the material through the proceedings steps. Tofacilitate this pulling function, at least part of the circumferentialsurfaces 121 a, 121 b of the rolls 120 a, 120 b may be covered by rubberor another material that provides for a relatively high frictioncoefficient between the rolls 120 a, 120 b and the material of thesuperimposed layers.

After roll press-forming, a spout 113 is optionally arranged at theupper end, which is still open, in a spout arrangement step 114. Thespout is further discussed below in connection with FIG. 6.

After bottom- and vertical sealing 105, 106, roll press-forming and theoptional arrangement 114 of a spout 113, the pouches are normally filled115 through the still open top/upper end. After the filling 115, theupper end is normally closed 116. The closing operation 116 may be thesame type of sealing as the bottom sealing 105 and vertical sealing 106.Alternatively, the closing 116 may comprise an arrangement of are-closable zip, in particular when no spout 113 is arranged. If neithera spout 113 nor a re-closable zip is arranged, tear notches may beprovided at the top, e.g. by punching, to facilitate opening of theclosed stand-up pouch. However, in one embodiment, the stand up pouch isprovided with a re-closable zip, sealed at the very top, and providedwith tear notches between the re-closable zip and the sealed top. Insuch case, the user tears the pouch open the first time and then usesthe re-closable zip for further openings and closings.

Before or after the filling 115 and closing 116, vertical cutting (notshown) of the vertical seal 107 is performed such that the vertical seal107 is divided into the vertical edges 108 a, 108 b of individualstand-up pouches 109.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the method of the second aspect ofthe present disclosure. In the method, a stretchable paper material 201is unwound from a paper reel 202. The paper 201 passes over at least oneroll 203 before it is folded to form a w-shape 204. The w-shaped paperis subjected to press-forming 225, during which (a) certain portion(s)the paper material 201 is/are stretched. In the embodiment of FIG. 2,press-forming is carried by means of two pressing arrangements, eachcomprising a male tool 226 a and female tool 226 b, which are pressedagainst each other to form an outwardly protruding pattern 212 onportions 227 a, 227 b of the w-shaped paper material that corresponds tothe side-walls 210 a, 210 b of the stand-up pouch 209.

A male tool 226 a and a corresponding female tool 226 b are notnecessary for achieving the protruding pattern. In one embodiment, thepress-forming arrangement comprises only a male tool 226 a for shapingthe protruding pattern 212. In such an embodiment, the press-formingarrangement normally comprises a clamp to facilitate the stretch of thepaper.

Alternatively, thermo-forming is carried out instead of press-forming.In such case, a female tool 226 b forms the shape of the protrudingpattern 212. A pressurized gas, such as air, may provide the force whichforces the paper material 201 to stretch within a negative mould of thefemale tool 226 b such that the protruding pattern 212 is formed. Inanother embodiment, negative pressure or “vacuum” provides the forcewhich forces the paper material 201 to stretch within a negative mouldof the female tool 226 b. Such forming is normally referred to as vacuumforming.

It is not necessary that both side-walls 210 a, 210 b are provided withthe outwardly protruding pattern 212. In the press- and thermo-formingembodiments discussed above, only one of the portions 227 a, 227 b ofthe w-shaped paper may thus be subjected to press-forming, which resultsin that only one of the side-walls 210 a, 210 b comprises an outwardlyprotruding pattern 212.

The lower end of the w-shaped paper is then sealed 205 to form astand-up pouch bottom, which is often referred to as “bottom sealing”.The paper is then subjected to vertical sealing 206. The vertical seals207 will after cutting become the vertical edges 208 of the finishedstand-up pouches 209 that joins first side walls 210 a to second sidewalls 210 b.

After bottom 205 and vertical 206 sealing, a spout 213 is optionallyarranged at the upper end, which is still open, in a spout arrangementstep 214. The spout is further discussed below in connection with FIG.6.

After bottom- and vertical sealing 205, 206 and the optional arrangement214 of a spout 213, the pouches are normally filled 215 through thestill open top/upper end and then closed 216 as described above inconnection with FIG. 1. Also, cutting is normally performed as describedabove in connection with the first aspect.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the method of the third aspect ofthe present disclosure. In the method, a stretchable paper material 301is unwound from a paper reel 302. The paper 301 passes over at least oneroll 303 before it is folded to form a w-shape 304. The lower end of thew-shaped paper is then sealed 305 to form a stand-up pouch bottom, whichis often referred to as “bottom sealing”. The paper is then subjected tovertical sealing 306. The vertical seals 307 will after cutting becomethe vertical edges 308 of the finished stand-up pouches 309 that joinsfirst side walls 310 a to second side walls 310 b.

After press-forming 311, a spout 313 is optionally arranged at the upperend, which is still open, in a spout arrangement step 314. The spout isfurther discussed below in connection with FIG. 6.

After the sealing operations 305, 306 and before or after the optionalarrangement 314 of a spout 313, vertical cutting 330 of the verticalseal 307 is performed such that the vertical seal 307 is divided intothe vertical edges 308 a, 308 b of individual stand-up pouches 309.

After cutting, a mould 331 comprising at least one negative cavity 332is arranged around the stand-up pouch 309. FIG. 3 shows a mould 331 intwo parts in an opened state. Alternatively, the mould may be a hollowone-piece mould into which the stand-up pouch is inserted. When thestand-up pouch is enclosed or surrounded, the inside of the stand-uppouch is pressurized 333. In the pressurized state, a portion of aside-wall 310 a, 310 b extends in the negative cavity 332 of the mould331. In other words, the stand-up pouch 309 is inflated in the negativecavity 332 such that a outwardly protruding pattern 312 is formed.

After the outwardly protruding pattern(s) 312 has/have been formed, thepouches are normally filled 315 through the still open top/upper end.After the filling 315, the pouches 309 are normally closed 316 asdescribed above in connection with the first aspect.

The forming of the outwardly protruding pattern(s) 312, the filling 315and the closing 316 may be carried out in a carousel. Today, carouselsare used for filling and closing of plastic stand-up pouches.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the method of the fourth aspect ofthe present disclosure. In the method, a stretchable paper material 401is unwound from a paper reel 402. The paper material 401 passes over aforming roll 403 comprising pressing wheels 440 a, 440 b before it isfolded to form a w-shape 404. One or more normal rolls (without pressingreels) may be arranged between the paper reel 402 and the forming roll403.

The forming roll 403 is rotatably arranged such that it rolls duringproduction. The pressing wheels 440 a, 440 b form two continuous grooves441 a, 441 b in the paper material 401. The grooves 441 a, 441 b extendin the machine direction. In portions 427 a, 427 b of the w-shaped papermaterial that corresponds to the side-walls 410 a, 410 b of the stand-uppouch 409, the grooves 441 a, 441 b are thus horizontally extending andoutwardly projecting protrusions, which in the finished stand-up pouchform a circumferential and outwardly protruding pattern 412 a, 412 b.

The wheels 440 a, 440 b has a circular cross-section. Alternative wheels480, 481 may have a star-shaped cross-section with rounded corners. Suchalternative wheels 480, 481 result in a dotted circumferential andoutwardly protruding pattern on the side walls 410 a, 410 b of thestand-up pouch.

In yet another embodiment, an alternative forming roll 490 thatcomprises no pressing wheels, but a surface pattern 491 for forming thepaper material 401 is used. In such an embodiment, the protrudingpattern of the side walls of the stand-up pouch is not necessarilyextending in the horizontal/circumferential direction.

A counter roll 495 may assist the forming roll 403, 490 in forming thepaper material 401. The surface pattern of the counter roll 495 may bean inverted version of the surface pattern of the forming roll 403. Thecounter roll 495 of FIG. 4 thus has recesses/incisions 496 a, 496 bcorresponding to the wheels 440 a, 440 b of the pressing roll 403. Theplacement, width and depth of the recesses/incisions 496 a, 49 6 b arethus adapted to the placement, width and height of the wheels 440 a, 440b such that the wheels 440 a, 440 b can run in the recesses/incisions496 a, 496 b when the paper material is provided between the pressingroll 403 and the counter roll.

After forming by means of the forming roll 403, 490 and folding toobtain the w-shape 404, the lower end of the w-shaped paper is sealed405 to form a stand-up pouch bottom, which is often referred to as“bottom sealing”. The paper is then subjected to vertical sealing 406.The vertical seals 407 will after cutting become the vertical edges 408of the finished stand-up pouches 409 that joins first side walls 410 ato second side walls 410 b.

After bottom and vertical sealing 405, 406, a spout 413 is optionallyarranged at the upper end, which is still open, in a spout arrangementstep 414. The spout 413 is further discussed below in connection withFIG. 6.

After bottom- and vertical sealing 405, 406 and the optional arrangement414 of a spout 413, the pouches are normally filled 415 through thestill open top/upper end. After the filling 415, the pouches 409 arenormally filled 415 through the still open top/upper end and then closed416 as described above in connection with the first aspect. Also,cutting is normally performed as described above in connection with thefirst aspect.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the method of the fifth aspect ofthe present disclosure. In the method, a stretchable paper material 501is unwound from a paper reel 502. The flat paper material 501 issubjected to press-forming 525, during which (a) certain portion(s) thepaper material 501 is/are stretched to form a protruding pattern ₅ 12.In the embodiment of FIG. 5, press-forming is carried by means of apressing arrangement comprising a male tool 526 a and female tool 526 b,which are pressed against each other to form an outwardly protrudingpattern 512 on portions 527 a, 527 b of the later form w-shaped papermaterial that corresponds to the side-walls 510 a, 510 b of the stand-uppouch 509. Embodiments of and alternatives to the press-forming shown inFIG. 5 are discussed above in connection with the second aspect.

Before and/or after the press-forming 525, the paper material 501 maypass over at least one roll 503.

The paper material is then folded such that it obtains the w-shape 504.The lower end of the w-shaped paper is sealed 505 to form a stand-uppouch bottom, which is often referred to as “bottom sealing”. The paperis then subjected to vertical sealing 506. The vertical seals 507 willafter cutting become the vertical edges 508 of the finished stand-uppouches 509 that joins first side walls 510 a to second side walls 510b.

After bottom and vertical sealing 505, 506, a spout 513 is optionallyarranged at the upper end, which is still open, in a spout arrangementstep 514. The spout 513 is further discussed below in connection withFIG. 6.

After bottom- and vertical sealing 505, 506 and the optional arrangement514 of a spout 513, the pouches are normally filled 515 through thestill open top/upper end. After the filling 515, the pouches 509 arenormally filled 515 through the still open top/upper end and then closed516 as described above in connection with the first aspect. Also,cutting is normally performed as described above in connection with thefirst aspect.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a stand-up pouch 609 composed ofstretchable paper according to the sixth aspect of the presentdisclosure. A spout 613 is arranged between the side walls 610 a, 610 bat the top of the stand-up pouch 609.

The side walls 610 a, 610 b comprises a protruding pattern 612, 612,which could be formed because the paper material is stretchable.

The spout 613 may comprise an anchoring portion 660 to which the sidewalls 610 a, 610 b are fixed. The anchoring portion 660 is provided withribs or grooves 661 that facilitate the fixation. When the spout 613 isarranged, the paper material of the side walls 610 a, 610 b stretchesaround the anchoring portion 660. If the anchoring portion 660 isprovided with the ribs or grooves 661, the paper material also stretchesover the ribs 661 or the ridges between the grooves 661. Consequently,the ribs or grooves 661 are seen as waves 664 in the side walls 610 a,610 b at the site of fixation. Thanks to the stretchability of the papermaterial, the side walls 610 a, 610 b are sealed to the spout 613without creasing.

The spout 613 may be provided with reclosable cap 662. The cap 662 maybe hingedly attached to a pouring pipe 663 of the spout 613.

1. A method of forming a stand-up pouch, comprising: a) providing a web structure having a w-shaped profile; b) forming bottom and vertical seals such that a flat stand-up pouch having two superimposed side walls and a bottom is obtained; and c) press-forming at least part of the superimposed side walls; wherein the side walls comprise a stretchable paper material.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the press-forming is carried out by passing the at least part of the superimposed side walls between two opposing rolls.
 3. A method of forming a stand-up pouch, comprising: a) providing a web structure having a w-shaped profile; b) forming vertical and bottom seals such that a flat stand-up pouch is obtained; c) providing a mould cavity at an outer surface of a side wall of the standup pouch and applying an overpressure inside the pouch such that a portion of the side wall extends into the mould cavity to form a bulge or relief; and d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch, wherein the side walls comprise a stretchable paper material.
 4. A method of forming a paper stand-up pouch comprising a dispensing device, such as a spout, comprising: a) providing a web structure having a w-shaped profile; b) forming vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up pouch having two side walls and a bottom is obtained, wherein the side walls comprise a stretchable paper material; and c) arranging a dispensing device between the side walls and closing the stand-up pouch, wherein the arranging is carried by stretching the paper material of the side walls about the dispensing device such that the side walls are sealed to the dispensing device without creasing of the paper material.
 5. A method of forming a stand-up pouch, comprising: a) providing a web structure having a w-shaped profile, wherein a first flanking portion of the w-shaped profile of the web structure corresponds to a first side wall of the stand-up pouch and a second flanking portion of the w-shaped profile of the web structure corresponds to a second side wall of the stand-up pouch; b) press- or thermo-forming at least part of the first and/or the second flanking portion of the w-shaped profile of the web structure; c) forming vertical and bottom seals such that the stand-up pouch has a bottom and the first and second sidewalls are sealed; and d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch, wherein the flanking portions comprise a stretchable paper material.
 6. A method of forming a stand-up pouch, comprising: a) pressing at least one rolling wheel or roll against a stretchable paper material to form a pattern in the paper material; b) arranging or folding the paper material such that it forms at least part of a web structure having a w-shaped profile; c) forming vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up pouch having two side walls and a bottom is obtained and at least part of the pattern is provided on at least one of the side walls; and d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch.
 7. A method of forming a stand-up pouch, comprising: a) press- or thermo-forming a stretchable paper material to form a bulge or relief; b) arranging or folding the paper material such that it forms at least part of a web structure having a w-shaped profile; c) providing vertical and bottom seals such that a stand-up pouch having two side walls and a bottom is obtained, wherein the bulge or relief is provided on one of the side walls; and d) optionally filling and closing the stand-up pouch.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the web structure of step b) comprises two flanking portions composed of the stretchable paper material and a middle portion composed of the stretchable paper material or a different material, the flanking portions form the side walls and the middle portion forms the bottom during step c).
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein a bi-folded web is arranged between two webs of the paper material corresponding to the flanking portions to form the web structure having the w-shaped profile of step b).
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the web structure of step b) is a single web of the stretchable paper material, which is the paper material comprising a pattern from step a).
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the strechable paper material has a stretchability that is at least 5% in a machine direction (MD) and at least 5% in a cross direction (CD).
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein a side of the stretchable paper material that forms an inside of the stand-up pouch comprises a heat-sealable coating or film.
 13. A stand-up pouch comprising: a bottom and two side walls, wherein the side walls comprise a stretchable paper material and are sealed to each other; and a dispensing device fixed between the side walls, wherein at least a portion of the stretchable paper material of the side walls that contacts the dispensing device is stretched.
 14. The stand-up pouch according to claim 13, wherein the dispensing device is fixed between the side walls at a top portion of the side walls.
 15. The stand-up pouch according to claim 13, wherein the dispensing device comprises a spout, a screw top, a flip top, a snap on, a rolling ball, spray top, trigger/pump spray, a valve closure, tamper evident closure, a cork, an plug, a seal and/ or a push pull.
 16. The stand-up pouch of claim 13, wherein a stretchability of the stretchable paper material is at least 5% in a machine direction (MD) and at least 5% in a cross direction (CD). 